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• As drummer for the legendary English hard rock group Led Zeppelin, John Bonham influenced countless young drum hopefuls with his bombastic playing style and huge, distinctive drum sound.

• Fast Facts

  1. Full name: John Henry Bonham
  2. Born: May 31, 1948
  3. Birthplace: Redditch, Worcestershire, England
  4. Nickname: "Bonzo"
  5. Died: September 25, 1980
  6. Cause: Asphyxiation from vomit due to an alcohol binge
  7. Band announced they'd no longer continue as Led Zeppelin a few months after Bonham's death
  8. Son Jason Bonham filled in on drums for three reunions of the surviving three member of Zeppelin, including in late-2007 for their appearance at Atlantic Record exec Ahmet Ertegun's tribute concert
  9. Most famous drum solo: "Moby Dick"
  10. Endorsed Ludwig Drums

• A Zeppelin with No Bonzo?!

  It is often reported that Robert Plant simply brought John Bonham with him into the band once he was selected by Jimmy Page to be the singer for the New Yardbirds. However, it took scores of telegrams from manager Peter Grant and a lot of coercing from his friend Plant before Bonham decided he liked the future Led Zeppelin's music better than the other artist who was pursuing him, Joe Cocker.

• Related Mahalo Pages

  Led Zeppelin Concert Review | Led Zeppelin | Led Zeppelin Tabs | Robert Plant | Jimmy Page | John Paul Jones | Jason Bonham | Beastie Boys | Keith Moon | Ringo Starr | Charlie Watts | Harry Nilsson | Paul McCartney

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